A Word of Support

Aref Assaf

April 10, 2008

I trekked to Newark, NJ recently  to appear at the March 11, 2008 meeting of the New Jersey Commission on Civil Rights. I had one particular aim in mind: To bring to the Commission’s attention the plight of  Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Qatanani   who is facing deportation from the United States. Working under the umbrella of the Americans4Qatanani grassroots organization,  I have been leading the media efforts to publicize the grassroots support for the Imam. We have engaged the local, national and world media in a most proactive fashion rendering several front page articles, two positive editorials, several op-ed pieces and many letters. When the Associated Press released their story about the Imam, several thousand media outlets picked it up as well. The New York Times will print one short  article soon and another in depth expose soon after the trail ends. We even released the Qatanani video, a-twelve- minute digital encapsulation of the Imam's story and the popular support for his cause.

The Commission listened to my testimony rather intently as I apprised them of the multi faceted angles of the Imam's ordeals. I reminded them that a few years back, I appeared before them to solicit their support for the creation of the  Arab Heritage Commission and that they came through and now we stand to see the dream come  true. I urged them to issue a rather general statement of  support fully cognizant of their mandate and the legal implications of their position.

Three weeks passed by and we were elated to have received their official statement which said in part:

"Having been given the opportunity to review the information and background on Dr. Qatanani, the New Jersey Commission on Civil Rights extends best wishes to Dr. Qatanani for success in obtaining permission to remain in the United States."  Click here to read the full letter.

The official letter of support was sent to Claudia Slovinsky , the attorney for the Imam who will in turn submitted it to the presiding judge and other relevant authorities. Click here to see the full text of that letter.

I was immensely helped by Mr. Frank Vespa, Director of the NJ Division on Civil Rights, who facilitated the quick meeting and to Commission member, Mr. Hani Mawla whose short by important statement allayed any concerns the other members of the Commission may have had. The letter while short on details carries a tremendous weight because it carries the seal of John Corzine, the Governor of the State, who himself had publicly recognized the Imam's important community contributions.

We have since submitted a more elaborate draft of a resolution to the City Council of Paterson which we hope to have signed into o law in a few days. Mr. Salah Mustafa is leading the efforts coordinate the quick passage of the resolution.

Having a well organized plan, being lucky to have friends in the right places and above a fight for just cause, can lead to happy endings. We look forward to celebrate with the Imam on May 8 his victory  and ours.